CONSENT AUTHORIZING USE OF PREVIOUSLY-FILED LEGAL OPINION FOR NEUBERGER BERMAN EQUITY FUNDS ("REGISTRANT") In connection with Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-14 (File Nos. 2-11357 and 811-582) to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about July 31, 2000, we hereby consent to the continued use of the Opinion and Consent of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart LLP on Securities Matters with respect to Neuberger Berman Equity Funds, previously filed in Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-14 on June 26, 2000 (File Nos. 2-11357 and 811-582). We further consent to the filing of this consent in connection with Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-14. Sincerely, /s/ KIRKPATRICK & LOCKHART LLP ------------------------------- KIRKPATRICK & LOCKHART LLP